Madagascar’s new government has revoked the Malagasy nationality of ousted President Andry Rajoelina, according to a decree published on Friday, 10 days after his ouster in a military coup.
The decree, published in the official gazette, stated that Rajoelina’s Malagasy nationality had been withdrawn because she had obtained French citizenship in 2014. Local media reported on the development and shared photographs of the document online.
French broadcaster RFI confirmed the decree with the entourage of the new prime minister, Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, who signed the order.
The decree cites existing laws that state that any Malagasy citizen who voluntarily acquires a foreign nationality automatically loses his Malagasy citizenship.
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Rajoelina’s French nationality became controversial when it was revealed ahead of the November 2023 election, almost a decade after it was granted to her. The revelation sparked calls for his disqualification, but he still participated in and won the disputed election, which was boycotted by opposition parties.
The 51-year-old fled Madagascar after Army Col. Michael Randrianirina announced on Oct. 11 that his CAPSAT unit would reject orders to crack down on the youth-led protest movement. Security forces had previously used force in an attempt to quell protests.
Rajoelina later said he was hiding for his safety, but did not reveal his location.
Randrianirina was sworn in as president on October 14 and pledged to organize elections within two years.
(AFP)
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